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One thing most Aussie households have in common in the summer months is that just about everyone is using their trusty air conditioner. With temperatures reaching in excess of 40 degrees, it’s easy to see why some of these units may be working night and day.
With so many above average highs recorded this summer, many locals have opted for the professional air conditioning installation Canberra residents rely on for indoor comfort. If you’ve only recently had an AC unit installed, you may not be aware of the key signs to look out for when the unit needs a service.
Maintenance Ensures Longevity
Two of the more popular air conditioning units found in Australian homes are split systems and ducted units. While both of these options are highly durable, they require routine maintenance to work at their optimal best.
It’s crucial to point out that cooling systems will have to work twice as hard to distribute cold air. Components become weak and also break down more frequently.
This, in turn, leads to costly repairs and, in more severe cases, complete replacements. Our experts have compiled a list of the key tell-tale signs to keep an eye out for when using your AC.
Fault Codes are Continuously Flashing
Modern AC units have been designed to display specific fault codes when there’s something wrong with them. If your AC is flashing an error code, start by checking the list of error codes in the manufacturer’s manual. This will tell you what each code means and also how to clear them.
Most codes work as a combination of numbers and letters, with the most common being UH, U0, and P4.
Clearing the codes may resolve the issue, but it’s essential to point out that this is only temporary, and you will need to have your AC inspected to get to the root cause of the problem.
A flashing error could be an indication of a faulty component and may shut down completely if not dealt with.
Water is Coming Out of the AC
While your AC may use water to function smoothly, it shouldn’t be leaking or dripping from any part of the unit. Small droplets of water could just be condensation from the fan coil unit, but these shouldn’t be pouring from anywhere.
Any signs of pooling or streaming are usually a sign that you’re dealing with a faulty component. It may also be indicative of leaking refrigerant. Not dealing with this issue timeously can cause damage to evaporative coolers and other electrical components.
In addition to this, leaking or pooling water can also damage the interior of the roof space, vents, or area where the AC is located. If you see signs of water, switch the AC off and give your repair agent a quick call.
Hot Air Instead of Cool
The last thing you need in the current heat is to have your AC blowing out hot air when it’s supposed to be expelling cool, refreshing air. Another clear sign of a problem is that the AC is blowing out warm air, even in the cooling setting.
Start by ensuring that the unit is in fact set to the cooling mode, and then check the temperature on the thermostat. If it doesn’t appear to be a setting issue, it’s a good idea to call an electrician.
More often than not, these issues stem from poor or restricted airflow caused by dirty or clogged filters. Change the filter and check if this solves the issue. If not, you may be dealing with a much bigger issue.
Unusual Sounds and Smells
It’s not uncommon for cooling systems to make a little bit of noise when you switch them on. This is especially the case with older models. Despite this, the noise should never be excessively loud or banging. Other unusual noises include grinding, buzzing, or even rattling, and are usually indicative of a faulty component.
Some users often report that an unusual smell accompanies the strange sounds. While these can be attributed to a buildup of dust or even microbial growth on the filter, some burning smells are caused by damaged components and should be referred to your electrician.
It’s Been a While Since the Last Service
Not all AC units need to be serviced at the same frequency. Factors such as type of unit, age, and frequency of use all determine how often your AC should be serviced.
Despite this, experts recommend having your AC serviced annually. Models that haven’t been serviced in the last two years should be scheduled for assessment.
Final Thoughts
If your AC is displaying any of the signs listed in this post, or it’s been a while since your last service, it’s definitely time to call your trusted electrician.
Some good news here is that tending to minor repairs will prevent untimely breakdowns and expensive repairs.
Keeping your air conditioning functioning the way it’s supposed to keeps your home comfortable during the worst of the summer heat!
